Chapter 8
As the time grew closer for Glenn to arrive, my stomach twisted into knots. I said goodbye to my friends, who all had their own bits of advice to share.
As Hanna left, she kissed my cheek, then met my eyes. “Enjoy this, sis, you deserve it.”
I smiled, but I wasn’t sure that I could enjoy it when I could barely take a breath.
After they left, Alex, the owner of the cafe, walked over to me.
“So, are you ready for this?” She grinned.
I’d told her about the impending date and that her cafe would be the backdrop for it.
“It’s too late to back out now.” I cleared my throat. “Right?”
“Yes.” She steered me toward the side of the cafe near tall windows. “I reserved a table for you in the quieter section. It gets a bit busy on Sunday afternoons. I’ve also told Cyndi to check on you guys a lot, so if you need a chance to escape from this guy just give her a signal and she’ll come running to interrupt.”
“Really?” I stared up at her as I sat down at the new table. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Trust me, I did. I’ve been on enough of these dates. If he does anything that makes you uncomfortable, just excuse yourself to the restroom. I’ll get you out the back door before he even knows you’re gone.” She smiled. “I’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, Alex.” I was grateful for her kindness, but at the same time she was starting to make me worry.
What if the date went as horribly as she implied it could? What if I didn’t know Glenn at all and he turned out to be an oaf? I looked toward the window and wondered if he would even come at all. He was already two minutes late. But then who knew if his clock was set to the same time as mine?
As I mulled over whether time even actually existed, I caught sight of a familiar face. He headed toward the cafe, but paused outside and straightened his shirt, then smoothed down his hair.
I couldn’t help but smile. He was as nervous as I was.
When he stepped inside I waved to him.
He smiled as he crossed the cafe to join me.
I stood up awkwardly and offered my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Glenn.”
“You too.” He caught my hand and gave it a subtle squeeze. “Although I feel like I already know you.”
“Me too.” I settled back in my chair as he sat down across from me.
Cyndi headed straight over to take our orders. Once that was settled, I turned my attention to him.
“Wow, you’re really here.” I laughed.
“Yes, I am. Do you want to pinch me to make sure?” He offered his hand.
“No, that’s okay.” I grinned. “I’m just glad you came.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?” He raised an eyebrow as his smile spread.
“Well, to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it for awhile there. I’ve been so nervous.”
“Ouch. Well, I’m glad you did. I have to say, you’re even more beautiful in person than in your picture.”
“Oh, you don’t have to say that.” I waved my hand, feeling my cheeks grow warm.
“I’m not just saying it.” He caught my hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss, all while he stared at me rather intently.
It was a sweet gesture, but I tugged my hand back quickly.
“Thanks. You’re quite handsome yourself.” I winced. “Is that the right term these days?”
“Don’t worry about terms and all that. Honestly, Noella, I’m at a point in my life that I don’t even believe in limits. I’ve been telling myself no for so long that I’ve decided I’m going to do my best to say yes from now on.”
“What an interesting thought.” My head spun as I considered what my life would be like if I said yes more often.
As we drank our coffee, we chatted a bit about our lives. He shared that his teenage daughter spent most of her time with her mother, but that he did his best to spend as much time with her as he could.
I admitted that my boys didn’t see their father as much as they would like, but that he did call often and made time for them when he could.
“And what about things between you two?” He pushed his empty coffee cup aside.
“Me and my ex?”
“Yes. I mean, do you two still have a little fun now and then?”
“What?” I stared at him.
“When my ex and I first broke up, sometimes we’d still hook up once in awhile.” He shrugged. “I’m just wondering if you do or if you would.”
“Uh, no. That seems really strange to me.”
“That’s good.” He smiled. “It’s better that way.”
“I guess.” I glanced at my watch. “I’m sorry, Glenn, but I have to get going. My sitter is already working overtime for me.”
“I’ll walk you out.” He dropped enough cash on the table for the bill and a considerable tip.
That impressed me, as I had intended to pay for half, but he didn’t seem to even want to discuss it.
As he walked me to my car, I wondered what would happen next. My heartbeat quickened as I anticipated the possibility that he would want to see me again or that he might even want to kiss me.
“Glenn, I had a very nice time—”
I turned toward him as I reached my car. Before I could say another word, his lips were on mine. I didn’t know how to react at first. I hadn’t expected him to kiss me so suddenly. But I did like him and his lips felt kind of amazing.
I melted into the kiss and for a second I forgot that I was a mother, that I had obligations, that I was anything but a woman getting a taste of passion.
A moment later, however, that passion got a bit out of hand.
Glenn slid his hand up along my side as if he might caress my breast.
I gave him a solid push to the chest.